Instant Pot Pork Belly Adobo

Dan & Ash

Melt-in-your-mouth pork belly adobo made effortlessly in the Instant Pot. This classic Filipino staple features incredibly tender pork belly coated in a rich, savory, and perfectly tangy soy-vinegar sauce. It's the ultimate comfort meal served over a big bowl of steamed white rice!

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 50

Total Time 1 5

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian, Filipino

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Video

Ingredients

2 lb pork belly cut into 1-inch chunks
3 medium onions diced
15 cloves garlic crushed or jarlic
4 bay leaves
1 star anise
1 tsp whole black peppercorns

Liquids

½ cup soy sauce
¼ cup dark soy sauce
½ cup vinegar adjust to taste
2 cups water just enough to barely cover meat

Sweetness

2 tbsp brown sugar adjust to taste

Equipment

Instant Pot Pro (8 QT) This recipe was made with an 8 QT Instant Pot in mind.

Method

Prepare Ingredients:

Dice your onions
Crush your garlic (or use jarlic like us)
Cut your pork belly into 1-inch chunks
2 lb pork belly, 3 medium onions, 15 cloves garlic

Pressure Cook:

Add your pork belly, onions, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, and star anise to the Instant Pot.
Sprinkle brown sugar on top and do not stir to avoid a burn notice.
2 lb pork belly, 3 medium onions, 15 cloves garlic, 4 bay leaves, 1 star anise, 1 tsp whole black peppercorns, 2 tbsp brown sugar
Pour in both soy sauces, vinegar, and just enough water to barely cover the meat.
½ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup dark soy sauce, 2 cups water, ½ cup vinegar
Pressure cook on High for 25 minutes.
Natural release for 10 minutes, and then quick release.

Reduce:

Switch to saute and reduce the sauce until glossy.
Taste and adjust flavors with more brown sugar or vinegar if needed.
OPTIONAL: Remove the meat at this stage to avoid overcooking the meat. You can add it back in when the sauce is reduced.
2 tbsp brown sugar, ½ cup vinegar

Finish:

Serve warm with white rice.